The Obama(-only) campaign

By Alexander Burns

09/01/12 05:18 PM EDT

The Wall Street Journal's Laura Meckler gets some top Obama officials to address the president's nonpractice of campaigning for other Democrats this year, and essentially confirms the impression across the party that Chicago has one and only one priority this year:

The president does almost no fundraising for Senate or House candidates and hasn't transferred money to other party election committees. His numerous campaign offices rarely coordinate with local candidates or display signs for anyone but Mr. Obama.

At rallies, Mr. Obama seldom urges supporters to volunteer — or even vote — for other Democrats running for office. Sometimes, he mentions other politicians in the room without noting that they are seeking re-election. He rarely shares the stage with other candidates.

"He's ultimately there to communicate where he wants to bring the country and the differences he has with Mitt Romney. He's not out there campaigning all around the country for other candidates," a senior Obama campaign official said. "It's not that he doesn't want them to get elected, but it's a campaign event to elect him." …

"We really do believe a high tide raises all boats," said Obama campaign manager Jim Messina. "If we win, history teaches us Democrats will win, as well." Asked why the president doesn't usually mention other candidates in his remarks, Mr. Messina said there is only so much time at the start of a speech for preliminary thoughts. In any case, he said, the president can't simply bless a candidate and assume that will help; candidates have to build their own relationships with volunteers and voters.

My colleague John Bresnahan reported earlier this year that the Obama campaign has signaled to congressional Democrats that they're on their own. Tthat dynamic hasn't changed as the presidential campaign has stayed competitive and the fight for control of the Senate, especially, has gotten tighter.